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Parent Groups, Students File Landmark Suit Against State Of California to Redress Public School Literacy Crisis

“Public education was intended as the ‘great equalizer’ in our democracy, enabling all children opportunity to pursue their dreams and better their circumstances. But in California it has become the ‘great unequalizer.’” –Mark Rosenbaum, Director of Opportunity Under Law, Public Counsel

Dec. 5, 2017 — Students, parents, and advocacy organizations CADRE and Fathers & Families of San Joaquin – represented by Public Counsel and Morrison & Foerster – have filed suit against the State of California, for its failure to provide every child in the state access to literacy as required under the California Constitution. California has three of the lowest-performing schools and 11 of the lowest 26 districts in the nation – with children in underserved districts lacking the ability to read and write because the state hasn't taken steps to ensure that all schools are delivering literacy. The landmark suit is the first in the nation to seek recognition of a state constitutional right to access to literacy.

We are honored to stand with these brave families and organizations who have come forward to demand a quality education for all children in California!